Section 450.230  Hearing Officer

The hearing officer, who shall be appointed in accordance with the Act by the Secretary of Transportation, shall conduct all hearings and take any and all necessary action to avoid delay, maintain order, and to insure development of a complete record.  He shall have all the powers necessary but not limited to the following:

a)         Require prior submission of expert testimony and exhibits in writing;

b)         Require all parties to state their position with respect to the complaint;

c)         Administer oaths and affirmations;

d)         Examine witnesses and direct witnesses to testify;

e)         Regulate the course of the hearing;

f)         Rule on all matters of evidence and procedure and make findings of fact and law;

g)         Issue subpoenas to compel attendance of a witness at a hearing;

h)         Make a finding of fact and law which shall become a part of the record and which shall be forwarded to the Secretary for final disposition.